Legislators oppose planned police building at Niagara River Gorge

State Sen. George Maziarz (R,C,I-Newfane) and Assemblyman John Ceretto (R,C,I-Lewiston) today sent a letter to the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation asking the agency to reconsider a plan to place a new, 7,000 square foot Parks Police Station on the Niagara River Gorge. Maziarz and Ceretto said that the station would detract from the natural beauty of the Niagara River Gorge and that there are alternative sights that the city of Niagara Falls has suggested to the Parks Department for the police station.

Senator George Maziarz said, "As our letter states in no uncertain terms, we are urging State Parks to immediately cease and desist their activities regarding building the police state at the current site so that alternatives can be considered. There are plenty of sites in Niagara Falls that can be developed to meet this need without detracting from the visitor experience to the Niagara River Gorge."

“For years, local officials here in Niagara Falls have worked to redesign the Robert Moses Parkway to open up the Waterfront for residents and tourists. A 7,000 square foot police station on the Niagara River Gorge would be counterproductive to that goal,” said Ceretto. “I am confident that we can find a positive resolution to this issue that encourages economic development in the city of Niagara Falls and preserves the natural beauty of the Niagara Gorge.”

Local officials have long touted the possible benefits of opening up the Niagara River Gorge. With numerous other sites and vacant buildings in the city available for a new Parks Police Station, Ceretto and Maziarz would like the Parks Department to discontinue its plans for the Gorge location and work with them to find a new location in the city that does not obstruct access to the Gorge.